“We took care of you while you were sleeping,” Jackson told her, reaching down to gently cup her mound and pet her carefully.
“You did?”
Jace nodded and nuzzled his face against her neck. “We used the healing salve Martha gave us after we licked your sweet pussy,” he told her.
Laurie’s intake of breath caused both men to pull back and look down at her. What they saw surprised them. There were tears in her eyes as she looked up at them.
“Baby?” Jackson asked her carefully. “What’s wrong?”
Laurie couldn’t even speak. Their concern for her was overwhelming. The fact that they had taken care of her while she was sleeping proved how much they truly did care about her. She didn’t feel uncomfortable with their treatment of her while she was asleep. She felt cherished, protected, and loved.
Unable to put into words how much their care meant to her, she opened her heart to them through their link and surrounded them in warmth and love so deep they looked down at her with awe and happiness. They couldn’t help but return the feeling, and Laurie felt bathed in their love.
“The kids will be here in about twenty minutes,” she told them lazily, stroking her hands down their backs as she held them in her arms.
Jace pulled out of her embrace, kissing her sweetly before leaving the bed. “I’ll make sure our pack is ready to meet us outside to help unload the cars.”
Jackson left her side, kissing her quickly before going to the doorway to retrieve Laurie’s clothes. He walked back toward her, extending his hand to offer them to her. Laurie smiled and watched Jace’s hot ass as he walked toward his clothes. Jackson’s equally hot ass turned, and she saw his erect cock standing proudly as he faced her. A man had no right to look that good. Jace turned back toward her and smiled. Jackson chuckled quietly, and he winked at her. She blushed deeply when she realized that she had let them hear her thoughts.
“God, this is so embarrassing,” Laurie muttered, pulling the sheet over her head.
She felt the bed dip with the weight of her men as they climbed up beside her. She felt her hands being covered as the sheet was drawn down, and she looked up to face two very handsome and happy faces.
“We feel the same way about you, Laurie,” Jace told her, his voice deep with emotion, kissing her nose lightly before getting off the bed. He dressed quickly and walked toward the bedroom door. “I’ll be in the front of the lodge with the pack. Come down when you’re ready.” He opened the door, turning to wink at her before leaving and closing the door behind him.
Laurie turned to face Jackson. He was smiling down at her, his eyes sparkling with happiness.
“I’ll help you get dressed,” he told her as he helped her get out of bed.
“I can dress myself, Jackson,” she told him, exasperated.
“Now what fun is that?” he teased, reaching out to cover her left breast with his hand and caress it lovingly.
Laurie laughed and reached for her clothes, laying them on the bed and reaching out to pick up her underwear. Despite her determination to dress herself, she had to admit that she enjoyed Jackson’s help. She especially enjoyed the kisses he lavished on her body before he covered her with the articles of clothing. Once they were both dressed, Laurie made a quick stop in the bathroom and walked out to step into Jackson’s waiting arms.
Jackson smiled and pulled her toward the doorway. “Come on, baby,” he told her, laughing. “Our kids are waiting for us to help them.”
Laurie’s eyes filled with tears at his easy acceptance that her children belonged to them, too. She pulled at his hand to stop him, and he turned to face her with confusion.
“Laurie?”
“Our kids?” she whispered.
His face softened with understanding. “Yes, our kids,” he told her sincerely. “Your children belong to me and Jace now. Are you okay with that?”
Laurie nodded and reached to wrap her arms around his waist. “You have no idea how much I wish they really were your babies,” she whispered against his chest.
Jackson reached up and stroked the back of her head gently, his heart pounding with love at her words. “Would you have liked it if Jace and my babies were growing inside of you?” It was as close as he could get to finding out if she might be accepting of her pregnancy.
“Do you mean if I would like it if Mia and Dean came from you and Jace?” she asked, looking up at him in confusion.
Jackson nodded, waiting patiently, but inside his brain was running wild with the thoughts of Laurie in her final stages of pregnancy. Pure joy rushed through him at the vision of her standing before him, her belly filled with their child. Picturing the way he and Jace held her between them, laying their hands on her swollen stomach to feel their baby moving, made him feel deeply happy and content. He knew that Laurie had seen his vision when she gasped and looked up at him in surprise.
There were tears in her eyes when she looked up at him. “That was a beautiful vision, Jackson. Thank you.” Jackson smiled down at her, not speaking. “I wish it were true. I wish you both helped me to make my children. You would have loved them and protected them as they deserved. It wasn’t right that they had to grow up thinking they weren’t good enough for their father.”
She pulled away from him then, sorrow surrounding her as she walked away from him and made her way to the front of the lodge. Jackson hesitated a moment, knowing only time would help Laurie and her children, their children, know that they belonged with the pack and would be cherished and loved. And so would the baby she was carrying and the babies she would be carrying.
There was a definite jaunty spring to his step as he followed their mate outside. The thought of her being pregnant, getting pregnant again, and he and Jace getting her pregnant made him deliriously happy. And horny.
Chapter 21
Laurie stood on the front steps of the main lodge, barely containing her nervousness as she watched her son’s car pull into the long driveway that led to the ranch entrance. Jace stood to her right, and Jackson walked over and stood to her left, waiting beside her. Jackson smiled over at Jace as he watched Laurie twist her hands nervously.
Look how cute our mate is when she’s nervous, Jace.
“Shush!” Laurie whispered, elbowing him quickly before she made her way down the stairs to stand at the bottom to wait for Dean’s car to come to a complete stop before her.
Jace laughed and looked at Jackson. She heard you.
Jackson nodded, winking at Laurie as she turned around and glared at them both. “Stop teasing,” she whispered, “and come here please.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Jace drawled, stepping down to stand beside her, joy filling him that she was open to their thoughts and feelings again.
He watched as the car came to a halt and the engine was turned off. The driver’s side door opened, and a young man stepped out, walking around the front of the car to kiss Laurie’s cheek quickly before continuing around to open the passenger side door and reach in to help a young girl out.
Jace looked at Jackson, and he saw the same concern in his face as they watched the young girl accept the young man’s help. He pulled her carefully and slowly out of the car. Once she was standing a moment and had achieved her footing, the young man stepped away and waited until she was clear of the car before shutting the door behind her.
Laurie went to the girl immediately and carefully embraced her. “How are you feeling, Mia?” she asked worriedly.
“I’m okay,” Mia answered quickly. “Just stiff from sitting in the car for so long. I’ll be fine once I move around.”
Laurie took Mia’s hand in hers as she led them to the steps of the lodge, reaching out to take hold of Dean’s hand as they stood before Jace and Jackson.
“Jace, Jackson, this is my daughter Mia and my son Dean,” Laurie introduced them proudly.
Looking at the three of them as they stood before him, Jace felt everything settle into place. Both children looked like their mother. He could fee
l the goodness in them. He could scent their honesty and caring. And, if he was not mistaken, a bit of hostility, too.
I feel it, too, Jace. Jackson was careful not to project his thoughts to Laurie.
“Welcome to the Circle Three Ranch,” Jace greeted them. “And welcome to the family.”
He reached out and offered his hand first to Mia and then to Dean, smiling inside when he saw their hesitance at accepting it, and feeling the rightness of it when they finally did. Jackson offered his hand and waited for them to do the same with him.
Both children stepped back, and Dean assumed a pose that showed both men that he was not a pushover. Crossing his arms across his broad chest, his biceps bulging as he fought to control his anger, he looked both men up and down.
“Just so you know,” Mia began, stepping forward, her eyes firing with a warning as she looked both men over with a seriousness that would make any alpha proud. “We’ll give you both a chance because we love our mother. But if you disrespect her in any way, or if you hurt her, there won’t be a place in this world that you’ll be able to hide from us. We’ll hunt you down and make sure you never hurt another living soul again.”
Dean took a step forward to shield both his sister and his mother from both men. “You don’t want to mess with us,” he told them quietly. “No one is ever going to cause one moment of pain in our mother’s life again.”
As much as Laurie was stunned by her children’s comments, she was proud that they were strong enough to face Jace and Jackson without hesitation. She remained silent, waiting for her mates’ reactions. She hoped they would respect the strength of character that her children showed. She was so proud of them for protecting her. But she really didn’t need it. Not with these men.
“Since you want to talk about this out here, right now, we’ll accommodate you.” Jace nodded to both Mia and Dean. “Your mother is our mate. We couldn’t hurt her. We cherish her. And you don’t have to worry about having to deal with us if we mess up. I’m sure your mother won’t let us get away with anything. And that’s just the way we want it.”
“Our lives are complete now that she’s here with us,” Jackson finally spoke up. “And we’re glad you’ll both be staying here as part of our family.”
“If you have a problem with us, or with your life here, we expect you to come and talk to us about it,” Jace added, his tone sure, his authority evident. “We work together for the good of everyone, and we expect any issues to be brought forward immediately.”
He waited silently as both kids looked them over, then turned to each other and came to an unspoken agreement. Nodding, they turned as one and faced the two men who professed to care about their mother.
“Okay,” Mia answered seriously, speaking for them both. Reaching out to hold onto Dean’s arm, she finally gave in to her exhaustion. “I really need to lie down.”
“Let me help you,” a voice from the top step spoke up.
Mitchell came down the steps quickly, reaching out to take Mia’s elbow and hold her hand as he turned to face Dean. “She looks pretty banged up,” he said quietly.
Dean’s shocked expression as he looked at Mitchell’s bruises was hard to mask. “Dude!” he said in horror. “Who messed you up?” Turning, he faced Jace and Jackson accusingly. “Is this how you treat members of your family?”
Before Jace or Jackson could protest, Mitchell reached out and touched Dean’s shoulder with his free hand. “No, they didn’t do this to me,” he told him honestly. “I used to live with another pack, and they did this to me. Jace and Jackson have taken me in and have been great. I like living here with this family. They’re awesome.”
“Really?” Dean asked as they helped Mia up the stairs.
“Yeah, they’ve been great to me,” Mitchell told him quietly. “I don’t know what would have happened to me if they hadn’t allowed me to stay. I was in pretty bad shape.”
Dean looked at Mitchell with evaluating eyes. He would reserve judgment on Jace and Jackson. And he would keep an eye on Mitchell just to make sure no one else caused him any more harm. He never could tolerate bullies. He had been bullied by his own father his entire life, and he wouldn’t let anyone else suffer the same fate if he could help it.
“Come on, Mia,” Dean said finally, “Let’s get inside so you can sit down and rest.”
Mia stopped on the top step and took a steadying breath. The look she gave Dean and Mitchell was a combination of annoyance and exhaustion.
“I’m fine,” she told them, pulling out of Mitchell’s and her brother’s careful holds.
Mitchell stepped back immediately. “I’m sorry,” he whispered, looking down at his feet, unsure.
“Don’t be,” Dean told him, touching his shoulder and smiling. “You have to know my sister. She’s a force to be reckoned with.”
Mitchell looked up and saw that Dean wasn’t angry with him. He smiled back at him, relieved. “Do you want help unloading your car?” he offered.
“That would be great,” Dean told him, turning to run back down the stairs. “Okay, Mom, where should be put all our crap?”
Laurie laughed and stepped forward to open her car and reach in to take the first load of belongings from the trunk. Jace was by her side immediately. He was not going to allow his mate to carry one thing from the cars. Her job would be to direct them where she wanted everything.
“Bring everything up to the second floor into our private quarters. They can have my old room and Jace’s old room,” Jackson spoke up as more of their pack members descended the stairs to help with the unloading. “We’ll get everyone something to eat, and then we’ll tackle sorting out their things.”
Laurie stepped back and smiled, watching as the members of their pack, their new family, quickly unloaded the cars and carried their meager belongings into the lodge. With so many people helping, it took no time at all before everyone was inside and seated at the kitchen table with Martha fussing over them. Laurie was happy to see her and all but melted in her arms as the older woman embraced her.
“I’m so happy you’re home, Laurie,” Martha whispered against her face. “My boys were beside themselves with worry while you were gone.”
“I’m sorry, Martha,” Laurie whispered back. “I told Vera to tell them that I had a family emergency. I don’t know why she didn’t.”
Martha stepped back and crossed her arms as anger consumed her. “I do,” she spat out. “That jealous old biddy!”
“What do you mean?” Laurie asked, confused. “Why would she be jealous of me?”
“Because she wants her daughter to be mated to your men, that’s why,” Martha answered curtly.
“I’ll deal with her later, Martha,” Jace told her as he came up behind Laurie and pulled her back into his arms, covering her belly with his hand as he held her to him. “Let’s get something to eat, get everyone settled, and get some sleep. It’s late, and I know you have to be exhausted,” he whispered against Laurie’s neck, kissing it lightly and breathing her scent in deeply.
“I am pretty tired,” Laurie admitted, melting against the strength behind her. “I guess these last few days have really taken their toll on me. I can barely keep my eyes open lately.”
Martha smiled at her then looked up at Jace. He shook his head just once, letting her know not to say anything. He knew Martha could tell there was a change in Laurie’s scent. She had been around enough pregnant pack members to pick up on the subtle change and know that Laurie was pregnant.
Martha turned away quickly so Laurie wouldn’t see her tears of happiness. Bless the Fates! Not only were there two new children to add to their family, but there was going to be a cub born to Jace and Jackson. Laurie would soon know that she was pregnant, and Martha prayed she would be happy.
A squeal of delight came from the kitchen entrance, turning all attention to Nikki as she rushed toward Mia and Dean with her arms spread open. Both kids went to her immediately and let her hug and kiss and fuss over them.
“Hi, Aunt Nikki. It’s good to see you, too,” Dean greeted her, laughing as he embraced her and kissed her cheek lightly.
The growls from the two men behind her were immediate. Nikki shushed them impatiently and waved her hand back at them, effectively dismissing their jealousy. “Stop it!” she told them quickly, turning to gently take Mia into her embrace. “Hey, honey, are you okay?”
Mia leaned against Nikki, wrapping her arms around her waist and hugging her lightly. “I’m sore but getting better,” Mia told her quietly. “He’s hurt us for the last time, Aunt Nikki.”
Nikki nodded and kissed the top of Mia’s head, running her hand gently down the soft brown tresses of her hair. “Damn straight,” she said angrily. “I’m proud of you, honey. You did the right thing by pressing charges.”
Mia nodded silently, allowing Nikki to soothe her briefly before carefully stepping out of her embrace to look toward her mother as she stood next to the two men who seemed to really care for her. She hoped with all her heart that her mother had finally found the love and caring that she deserved.
Laurie looked at her daughter with obvious love in her eyes. She was so proud of her. She was proud of both of her children. They had survived a life of abuse and poverty with her, yet they had remained kind, loving, and supportive people. She couldn’t help the tears that filled her eyes.
Jace and Jackson’s thoughts of love and caring surrounded her, making her feel protected and, for the first time in her life, cherished. She was grateful for the emotions they sent to her through their bond. She turned to smile at both of them, sending them the warmth of her appreciation and smiling when she saw their eyes flare with happiness and need at the feel of her sharing with them.
Mate, I think you need to eat and rest while we visit with the pack. Jace’s voice was warm and caring in her head.
She smiled and reached out to hold his hand, loving that he immediately entwined their fingers as he led her to the table and pulled out a chair for her to sit. He immediately sat beside her at the head of the table.
Bernard, Lynnette - Laurie's Loves [Beckett's Wolf Pack, Triad Mates] (Siren Publishing Ménage and More) Page 26